According to the HSE, in the last ten years, almost one person a week has been killed as a direct result of agricultural work, with many more being seriously injured. Unfortunately, many of these serious injuries include head and traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, hematomas, and skull fractures.
Our specialist, bespoke services are there to help support families who have experienced a brain injury. From rehabilitation to financial support to the very best in legal representation, we are there for you every step of the way.
Below, we explain what your legal rights are if you have suffered a brain injury following a farming accident.
Why Choose Coulthursts?
Legal Specialists
We deal exclusively with brain injury claims.
Rehabilitation & Treatment
We pay for and arrange early treatment and support.
Financial Support
We provide financial advice and support, and ensure maximum compensation is obtained.
A Bespoke Service
We build our service around what you and your family need.
No Win No Fee
We are committed to offering a no win, no fee service.
When can I claim compensation for a brain injury caused by a farm accident?
You may be able to claim compensation if you suffered a brain injury while working on a farm and the accident was caused, wholly or in part, by someone else’s negligence.
This is most commonly your employer, but it could also be the farm owner, a contractor, or another third party responsible for your safety.
In order to make a claim, you’ll usually need to show that:
- Your employer or another responsible party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty by failing to provide a safe working environment
- Their negligence caused or contributed to your brain injury
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date your injury was diagnosed, to start your claim.
If you’ve suffered a head or brain injury while working on a farm and would like to discuss your legal rights, our specialist brain injury solicitors are on hand to provide a no-obligation consultation.
What are the most common farm accidents that can cause a brain injury?
Agricultural work is one of the UK’s most hazardous industries, with workers regularly exposed to heavy machinery, livestock, working at height and moving vehicles.
A serious accident can result in a head or brain injury, particularly where employers have failed to implement appropriate health and safety measures.
Some of the most common farm accidents that can lead to a brain injury include:
- Falls from ladders, roofs, silos or other elevated work areas
- Falls from tractors, trailers or other agricultural machinery
- Being struck by moving vehicles, such as tractors or forklifts
- Machinery accidents involving balers, conveyors, augers or other farm equipment
- Being struck by falling tools, materials or equipment
- Accidents involving livestock, including kicks, crushing or trampling by cattle or horses
- Falling objects, such as hay bales, feed sacks or unsecured loads
- Slips, trips and falls caused by uneven ground, mud or poorly maintained walkways
- Accidents caused by defective or poorly maintained machinery or equipment
- Incidents resulting from inadequate training or unsafe working practices.
If your brain injury was caused by an accident that happened because your employer failed to take reasonable steps to keep you safe, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
How much compensation could I receive for a brain injury caused by a farming accident?
The amount of compensation you may be able to receive for a head or brain injury from a farming accident will depend on the severity of your injuries and the effect they may have on your life.
Brain injury compensation payouts are calculated based on the severity of your injury, the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, and the financial impact the accident has had on your life.
Because every brain injury claim is unique, there is no fixed amount of compensation or an average compensation amount.
Factors such as the extent of your recovery, whether you’re able to return to work, and the long-term effects of your injury will all be taken into account when valuing your claim.
Brain injury compensation payouts can range from around £2,690 for minor injuries to £493,000 for the most severe cases.
| Type of Injury | Amount of Compensation | Level of Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Very Severe Brain Injury | £344,150 – £493,000 | Vegetative or minimally conscious state. Little or no response to environment. Full-time care required. |
| Moderately Severe Brain Injury, Serious Disabilities | £267,340 – £344,150 | Serious disabilities with severe cognitive and physical impairment. Major impact on independence and life expectancy. Professional care essential. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, No Return to Work | £183,190 – £267,340 | Lasting intellectual or sensory problems and personality change with no realistic prospect of returning to work. Significant ongoing support needs. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, Some Return to Work Possible | £110,720 – £183,190 | Moderate intellectual or sensory deficits. Some ability to work, but significantly reduced. Ongoing support and rehabilitation likely required. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, Memory/Senses Affected | £52,550 – £110,720 | Problems with memory, attention, balance, or senses. Work may be possible. Risk of epilepsy may be present. Daily life impacted but independent living broadly achievable. |
| Less Severe Brain Injury | £18,700 – £52,550 | Good recovery expected, but ongoing issues may include fatigue, memory problems, or reduced concentration. Some impact on work and daily activities. |
| Minor Brain Injury | £2,690 – £15,580 | Symptoms resolve within weeks or up to two years. Covers mild head injuries or concussions with minimal or no lasting brain damage. |
The total amount of compensation you may receive is calculated by combining the amounts you may be legally entitled to for general damages and special damages.
Early Access To Rehab
Your rehabilitation starts when you need it, not months later. We don’t wait for insurer approval to get you help.
From physio and neuropsychology to home support or counselling, we act fast to arrange treatment when it makes the biggest impact. Funding is available upfront so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work.
What are general damages?
General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, sometimes known as PSLA. The amount of compensation you may be able to claim will relate to the physical and psychological effects of your injury, including consideration of the loss of enjoyment of life and ability to participate in day-to-day activities.
The Judicial College from the Ministry of Justice publishes guidelines for compensation amounts in relation to the severity of your injury. These guidelines are used as a reference point for accurately valuing your claim.
Our head and brain injury compensation calculator can provide further information on the level of compensation you may be able to claim for general damages.
What are special damages?
Compensation for special damages is for expenses you have incurred or any losses you’ve suffered – up until the point of settlement.
The amount of compensation for special damages you may be able to claim is particularly important for those who have suffered a severe brain injury because, unfortunately, many may need long-term, full-time medical assistance and care. In these cases, the amount of compensation you receive, including future losses, may be much larger than the compensation for general damages.
In such instances, claims for special damages could include, but may not be limited to:
- The loss of earnings to the date of settlement
- Medical expenses incurred for treatment and rehabilitation
- The cost of specialist medical equipment
- The cost of adapting your home to the injured person’s specific requirements
- The cost of full-time care,
- The cost of full-time care, if it is a family member, taking into account their loss of potential income.
Compensation is a legal right intended to put the injured person back in the position they were in before their accident.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible with severe brain injuries, as comprehensive long-term care is required in many cases.
Our specialist brain injury claims solicitors have extensive experience handling very high-value brain injury cases. Speak to our expert team today to understand your legal rights and how we can help support you.
Brain Injury Claims Specialists
We focus solely on brain injury claims and we have experienced senior solicitors only – no delegation to junior staff, just expert-led support throughout.
That means every expert, decision, and step we take is tailored to support your recovery and future. With deep knowledge and the right contacts, we guide your case with genuine expertise – from start to settlement.
What are future losses?
In almost all brain injury claims, you may also be entitled to claim for financial losses and ongoing care costs that are expected in the future.
This is particularly important in more severe injuries to the brain, where ongoing care, treatment, and support may be required long term or indefinitely.
Future losses can include:
- Future loss of earnings
- Ongoing care and case management
- Continuing rehabilitation and therapy
- Specialist equipment
- Adaptations to your home
- Long-term support needs
In high-value claims, future losses can form a significant proportion of the overall compensation awarded.
Our table below is an indicative example of the total amount of compensation you may be able to claim.
| Type of Injury | Compensation For General Damages | Total Compensation* | Level of Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Severe Brain Injury | £344,150 – £493,000 | £2 million – £10 million+ | Vegetative or minimally conscious state. Little or no response to environment. Full-time care required. |
| Moderately Severe Brain Injury, Serious Disabilities | £267,340 – £344,150 | £1.5 million – £5 million | Serious disabilities with severe cognitive and physical impairment. Major impact on independence and life expectancy. Professional care essential. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, No Return to Work | £183,190 – £267,340 | £750,000 – £2 million | Lasting intellectual or sensory problems and personality change with no realistic prospect of returning to work. Significant ongoing support needs. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, Some Return to Work Possible | £110,720 – £183,190 | £300,000 – £750,000 | Moderate intellectual or sensory deficits. Some ability to work, but significantly reduced. Ongoing support and rehabilitation likely required. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, Memory/Senses Affected | £52,550 – £110,720 | £150,000 – £400,000 | Problems with memory, attention, balance, or senses. Work may be possible. Risk of epilepsy may be present. Daily life impacted but independent living broadly achievable. |
| Less Severe Brain Injury | £18,700 – £52,550 | £25,000 – £100,000 | Good recovery expected, but ongoing issues may include fatigue, memory problems, or reduced concentration. Some impact on work and daily activities. |
| Minor Brain Injury | £2,690 – £15,580 | £5,000 – £25,000 | Symptoms resolve within weeks or up to two years. Covers mild head injuries or concussions with minimal or no lasting brain damage. |
*Figures shown represent typical total settlements recovered by Coulthursts Solicitors including all heads of loss (pain and suffering, past financial losses, future care, lost earnings, rehabilitation and accommodation). They are indicative only and not guaranteed. Every case is assessed individually. Not legal advice.
Our specialist brain injury claims solicitors have extensive experience handling such cases. Speak to our expert team today for free to understand your legal rights and how we can help support you.
Better Off With Coulthursts
In a case valued at £1m you could be up to £150,000 better off using us, rather than a firm that charges the equivalent of 25% of your compensation.
This is because the maximum we charge when we win your case is typically just 10% – making sure you’re not weighed down by legal costs.
So, while some firms may look to take up to 25% of your compensation, we won’t.
And, even though we are specialists in brain injury claims, we always offer a no win no fee service.
Can I make a no win, no fee compensation claim for a brain injury caused by a farming accident?
Yes, you can make a compensation claim for a brain or head injury caused by a farming accident on a no win no fee basis.
No win no fee legal services are offered through what is known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This agreement means there will be a fee payable only if you win the case. Additionally, we provide an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy that protects you in the rare instance the claim is unsuccessful.
Even though we are specialists in brain injury claims, we always provide our legal expertise on a no win no fee basis. While some firms may charge up to 25% of the total compensation recovered, we typically charge only 10%.
In most brain injury compensation claims, because of the severity of the injuries, the compensation is split 25/75, with 25% for pain and suffering, loss of amenity (PSLA), and any past losses. The bulk of the compensation (75%) is for future losses and any care and support you might need.
Other firms may look to recoup any unrecovered legal costs from your compensation to try and get closer to that overall 25% deduction. We typically cap our fees at 10% of your total compensation.
What does this mean?
In a case valued at £1m, you could be up to £150,000 better off using us, over a firm that charges the equivalent of 25% of your compensation.
These examples show what the deductions could be with a law firm under the terms of a standard no win no fee agreement versus our Coulthursts agreement, which typically caps the deductions at 10%.
There are no upfront costs associated with making a no win no fee brain injury claim and, unlike many other law firms, we can fund rehabilitation costs up front – to prevent delays to your treatment.
| Compensation amount | Your compensation if you had to pay 25% to another firm | Your compensation after 10% legal fees with Coulthursts | Your total saving using Coulthursts |
|---|---|---|---|
| £500,000 | £375,000 | £450,000 | +£75,000 |
| £750,000 | £562,500 | £675,000 | +£112,500 |
| £1m | £750,000 | £900,000 | +£150,000 |
Low Caseload, Full Focus
With ultra-low caseloads, typically around just five cases each, our solicitors have more time to work closely with you. You’re never just a file.
We build strong relationships, understand your needs in detail, and move things forward quickly—helping you feel fully supported and confident throughout the legal process.
What are my employer’s legal responsibilities in an agricultural workplace?
Your employer has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect your health, safety and wellbeing while you’re working on a farm.
As agriculture is one of the UK’s most dangerous industries, employers must comply with a range of health and safety laws designed to reduce the risk of serious and fatal accidents.
These legal responsibilities are set out in legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, and farming-specific HSE guidance and Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs).
Together, these laws require employers to provide a safe working environment and minimise the risks associated with agricultural work.
Depending on the type of work you carry out, your employer should:
Provide appropriate training and supervision
- Train workers to carry out farm tasks safely, including operating machinery, handling livestock and using hazardous substances
- Supervise employees until they are competent to work independently
- Provide refresher training for higher-risk activities where necessary
Carry out risk assessments
- Regularly assess the risks associated with farming activities
- Identify hazards such as moving machinery, livestock, working at height, confined spaces, chemicals and uneven ground
- Put suitable control measures in place to eliminate or reduce those risks wherever possible
Maintain machinery and equipment
- Regularly inspect and maintain tractors, telehandlers, balers, augers and other agricultural machinery
- Ensure safety guards and protective devices are fitted and working correctly
- Repair or replace defective equipment without unnecessary delay
- Ensure only trained and authorised workers operate machinery and vehicles
Manage livestock safely
- Assess the risks involved when handling cattle, sheep, horses and other livestock
- Provide suitable handling facilities, including gates, pens and escape routes
- Ensure enough trained staff are available to carry out livestock handling safely
Keep the workplace safe
- Keep yards, barns and work areas clean, organised and free from unnecessary hazards
- Display warning signs where appropriate
- Provide adequate lighting in work areas
- Follow safe procedures for working at height and in confined spaces, such as grain silos, slurry pits and feed hoppers
If your employer failed to meet their legal responsibilities and you suffered a brain injury as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Support Beyond The Claim
Many of our clients come through recommendations from doctors, brain injury specialists, clinicians, rehabilitation providers, barristers, or charities who’ve seen our work first-hand.
But we go beyond legal advice. We also help with things like benefit forms, chasing insurers, cancelling fines, and cutting through admin. It’s all part of our client-first approach and supporting you in ways other firms simply don’t.
How long do I have to start my claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of your farming accident, or from the date your brain injury was diagnosed, to start your compensation claim. This time limit is set out under the Limitation Act 1980.
There are some exceptions. If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, the three-year time limit does not apply.
Instead, the limitation period will only begin if they regain mental capacity or if someone is legally appointed to act on their behalf.
Brain injury claims can be complex, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Starting your claim early allows your solicitor more time to gather evidence, obtain medical reports and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
If I’ve suffered a brain injury from a farming accident, what evidence do I need to start a claim?
The success of your claim will depend on the strength of your case, and you will need to show that someone else’s negligence was the cause of your brain injury.
In most cases, this will be your employer, but it could also be the owner of the farm, a contractor or another party responsible for your safety.
Our solicitors will discuss with you the circumstances of your accident and identify the evidence available to support your claim. This may include:
- Details of when, where and how the accident happened
- Information about who you believe was responsible for the accident
- A copy of the accident report recorded in your employer’s accident book
- Witness statements from colleagues or anyone else who saw the accident
- Photographs or video footage of the accident scene, including CCTV footage where available
- Workplace health and safety records, or evidence that risk assessments were not carried out or equipment was inadequately maintained
- Maintenance records for any machinery or equipment involved in the accident
- Your medical records and details of the treatment you may have received
- Evidence of any financial losses, including loss of earnings, medical expenses or rehabilitation costs
Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this information. Our solicitors have many years of experience compiling evidence for cases just like yours.
Once we know the details of the case, we can move quickly to help assist you as much as possible, including arranging the right medical investigations and setting up early rehabilitation, ensuring you have the best possible start to recovery.
How long does a farming brain injury claim take?
As every claim is unique, there is no fixed timeframe for a brain injury compensation claim.
The time your claim may take to settle will depend on factors such as the severity of your injury, the time required to gather all necessary evidence, whether liability is admitted, and how long it may take to understand the long-term impact of your condition fully.
However, part of our promise to you is to settle your claim much more quickly than industry averages. How do we do this? We are the only firm in the UK that specialises exclusively in brain injuries, and our legal experts have substantially lower individual caseloads than most other firms; this means our lawyers get to spend more time on your claim.
For more information about claiming compensation for a brain injury, our frequently asked questions explain every step of the process, including who will handle your claim, whether you’ll need a medical examination, if you’ll need to attend court, and the options for claiming on behalf of someone else.
Alternatively, if you prefer, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your claim with a member of our specialist legal team. We understand how much a brain injury can affect not only those injured but also the family around them. We are here to support you as much as we possibly can.
Contact us for a free consultation
We are happy to meet individuals and their families to explain how we work and whether our service may be suitable for you. This is always at no cost and with no obligation.